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Current News & Events / Re: Thanks FXFD

« on: December 21, 2007, 07:28:46 PM »

I appologize to the guys for not being able to help them shovel hydrants that evening but I had no choice as I was on Duty in the City that evening.  Great jobs guys and gals.  As I drove through town looking at your work the next morning I noticed them all to be sufficiently cleaned around. 

If any residents in town have a hydrant located on their property or in close proximity please take the time if your able to help us help you should the need arise.  Fire hydrants are as essential of a firefighting tool as the fire trucks themselves.  We try to keep up with the snow storms and monitor conditions but being there is no paid staff to do the job as required we are forced to on our meeting nights brave the elements and the dark to clear the hydrants.  If is not only a huge benefit to the fire department but perhaps a neighbor should we be required to utilize the system. 

Thank you to all the residents who did take the time to clear their hydrants as there were quite a few.  Have a safe and happy holiday season from all of us at the Fairfax Fire Dept.

122

Current News & Events / Re: Fairfax Firemen Hold Their Awards Banquet

« on: December 06, 2007, 01:31:20 PM »

As Henry made everyone aware we did hold our annual Fairfax Fire Dept.  banquette Tuesday evening December 4th at the fire station.  This years banquette was extremely well attended.  Firefighters along with their spouses, children and significant others enjoyed a relaxed pot-luck style meal with the awards portion of the evening to follow. 

Firefighter Mike Cain started of the ceremony with a presentation of two fire department related icons donated to the department by the Parsons family in memory of the late Larry Parsons.  Thank you to Larry's familiy for still keeping his extended family, the fire department allways in your thoughts. 

Years of service pins were handed out to six members as follows:

5yrs - Lieutenant Jesse Fleming
5yrs - Firefighter/EMT David Bartley
5yrs - Firefighter/EMT Dan Vanslette
5yrs - Firefighter/EMT Jordan Hayes
5yrs - Firefighter/ECA Kyle Magnuson
30yrs - Safety Officer Lucien Hayes

Plaques were given to four members of the department in four categories as follows:

Community Service Award – Is to denote a member of the Fairfax Fire Dept. whom has exhibited an interest in his/her local community. Examples to include public education and fire prevention, public relations, and overall community oriented spirit.  This years award was presented to Firefigher David Yergeau. 

Safety Award – Is to denote a member of the Fairfax Fire Dept. whom is prepared to work and train in all appropriate dress with all safety concerns for his/her self and that of their team in mind.  This years award was presented to Firefigher Kyle Williams.

Firefighter of the Year – Is to denote a member of the Fairfax Fire Dept. whom has displayed the greatest progress in bettering his/her self for the goodness of the fire service and whom performs above normal expectations for the good of the Dept. This years award was presented to Firefighter/ECA Kyle Magnson.

Chiefs Award – Is to denote a member or non-member of the Fairfax Fire Dept. whom the Chief Officer feels made impacts to the fire dept. in ways, which substantiate the good of the department.  This years award was presented to Firefigher Steve Bessette.

I would like to personally thank all the dedicated members of the department whom make the day to day operations run as smoothly as they can.  Your countless hours of responses, training, administrative and all the other things that are required are appreciated more than can ever be expressed. 

Assistant Chief Justin Hayes

123

Current News & Events / Re: Anyone Have Any Insight On What Happened In Fletcher Yesterday

« on: October 16, 2007, 08:37:32 AM »

Henry,  You are correct with the fact that there was a logging accident.  It was on the back side of Metcalf Pond in Fletcher and Fairfax Fire was responding as mutual aid to Cambridge Fire as that is there coverage area since Fairfax and Cambridge split Fletcher in half for fire and rescue protection.  I cannot release any names of course or extent of any injuries but the rescue out of the woods was a success with assistance from Cambridge Fire and Rescue, Cambridge Rescue Squad, Northern Ambulance Paramedics, and Fairfax Fire and Rescue. 

Justin Hayes
Assistant Chief Fairfax Fire

124

Current News & Events / Re: The Knox Box - Fire Prevention Week & Other Concerns

« on: October 11, 2007, 12:02:31 PM »

Just a quick note in regards to fire extingusihers especially for any of those reading this that may be landlords.  The current State of Vermont Fire Protection Standards require a minimum rating of a 2A-10BC extinguisher, this is most commonly refered to as a 5lb extinguisher.  The intallation of these extingushers shall be located alnong known paths of travel preferably near the exit, the top of the extingusher shall not be more than 5' above the floor. The requirement is one extingusher per rental unit but more is always acceptable.  Landlords, remember to annually have your extigushers serviced and tagged, it is a common missconception that a brand new extingusher out the box is acceptable, such is not the case as with private homeowners. 

Also rembember to change your smoke detector batteries with the upcoming time change.  EVEN if your detectors are A/C powered.  If the power goes out the battery will still proved adequate protection.

Justin Hayes
Assistant Chief Fairfax Fire Dept
Career Firefighter/EMT St. Albans City FD

125

Current News & Events / Re: Tornado Warnings Issued For Fairfax - High Winds Do Damage

« on: August 17, 2007, 11:38:41 AM »

I have to agree with Mike, great photos Henry.  If I had time to, rather than issues orders and instructions I would have grabbed the fire dept. camera to take photos of the roads "before" the clean-up began.  As the incident commander for the fire department during the bulk of this natural disaster I have to tip my hat to all the members of the Fairfax Fire Dept. for going above and beyond while enduring the elements.  Thank you to the Fairfax road crew as well, I believe we were as much of an asset to them as they were to us to help quickly resolve the threats to public safety created by this storm.  Our Central Dispatch, VSP, Franklin County Sherrifs, CVPS and GMP all were instrumental in assesing and taking action as all agencies worked together without much miscomunication.  You know its going to be a long evening when our dispatch resquests a phone call from me and I get "Justin have you got a pen and paper"?  " I have a list of pending 911 calls from your district".  Also a quick thank you to my wife Emily along with Darlene Coon and Christine Bessette for providing us with nourishment and refreshments during the whole ordeal.